‘God’s Man’

The Executive Committee Presidential Search Team announced Tuesday that they have found “God’s candidate” to lead the Southern Baptist Convention’s administrative entity. The announcement comes nearly eleven months after the position of EC President was vacated by Frank Page.

I have no doubt that the search team has rightly prayed and sought God’s guidance throughout the process. They are, therefore, convinced that they have found the right person to lead the EC. EC Chairman Mike Stone said, “God was guiding us.” I am thankful that they experienced the guidance of the Lord throughout the process. Stone also said, “Your committee has been both unanimous and unified at every single turn.” I think that is a good sign.

However, I do have some concerns about the announcement that they have found “God’s candidate.” My primary concern is that it short-circuits the process.

According to the search team, God’s candidate had not yet been told that he was God’s candidate at the time the search team announced that they have settled on a candidate. What if God’s candidate decides that he’s not God’s candidate? Would that mean that God led the search team astray? I’m sure the search team was convinced that the candidate they have chosen would accept the position when they made their announcement, but their announcement sure didn’t leave any room for him to change his mind. Maybe that was intentional.

The search team also said that the candidate’s name will be announced at some point in the near future. I’m sure the search team has selected a qualified candidate, but what if Southern Baptists have concerns about the candidate once his name is announced? Should those concerns not be voiced since he is “God’s candidate”? Questioning the decision of a search team seems like a pretty Baptist thing to do. Questioning God? Well, that’s another thing all together. In claiming that they have found “God’s candidate,” it seems that the search team has essentially elevated their decision above any kind of scrutiny. Maybe that wasn’t their intent, but we do know they didn’t take too kindly to criticism regarding their consideration of minority candidates.

The final step in this process will be a vote of the entire Executive Committee. The search team selects a candidate, but they do not choose an EC President. That responsibility belongs to the entire EC. In claiming that they have found “God’s candidate,” it seems the search team has declared that a vote of the entire EC is an unnecessary procedural formality. They have essentially announced that any votes cast against their candidate will be votes against God Himself instead of just votes against the candidate. That’s probably not their intent, but it is the effect of the announcement they made.

The point is that we should stop referring to our decisions as God’s decisions. Sometimes the decisions we make prove to be bad decisions. Churches sometimes call bad pastors. SBC entities sometimes hire bad leaders. Is God to be blamed when that happens? I think not.

So, let’s pray and seek the Lord’s direction. Let’s do what we feel like the Lord is leading us to do. But let’s do so with appropriate humility. The will of the Lord is perfect, but our ability to discern God’s will is not.

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About Adam Blosser

Adam Blosser is pastor of Goshen Baptist Church in Spotsylvania, VA. He is a graduate of Liberty University (B.A.) & Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He is currently pursuing a D.Min. in Expository Preaching at SEBTS. Adam and his wife Ashley have three children. Adam is an avid fan of the Baltimore Orioles and passes the time in the baseball off-season by rooting for the Baltimore Ravens. Twitter

Look, you are free to disagree with the writers at Voices, but accusations against the honesty and integrity of the writers are unfair.

We work to hold one another accountable and we write our convictions. Disagree? Fine. State it. But accusations like the ones in the comment I just deleted will not stand.

Another one like that will bring moderation.

February 21, 2019 8:48 pm

Bill Mac

I have long had a problem with churchspeak. I’m sure it is done with good intentions, but i hear a lot of language that basically puts God’s imprimatur on whatever we are doing. When we say “I feel led” instead of “I’ve had an idea”, who can argue?

Adam, I share some concerns about the order of the things as presented. There initial announcement seems a bit premature.
However, on the issue of “God’s Man.” Just about every pastor search committee I have ever heard always say they have found God’s man. When you were recommended to your church you were probably God’s Man. I certainly hope so. It’s a common and acceptable term. If they don’t think he’s God’s man, they shouldn’t be recommending him.
The theories that this was an intentional tactic to avoid criticism won’t work among a bunch of Baptists anyway. It obviously hasn’t stopped the criticism.
Thy just jumped the gun a bit. Probably should have waited to announce name and avoid the discussions which we are having now.

February 20, 2019 10:15 pm

Andrew

I once interviewed at a church and they ask me if I felt as though God had called me to the church. I refused to answer the question because I told them if they voted me down then that was a good sign I wasn’t called to the church. I definitely think speaking in those terms is unfair and unnecessary especially if the candidate doesn’t workout or turns out to be a bad choice.

February 20, 2019 11:29 pm

Les Colvin

The only adjustment I’d add is to say “We believe we have found God’s man.”
And whenever I’ve been asked about God leading me, I generally respond “up to this point I believe God may be leading.” Or something like that., if you didn’t believe that you wouldn’t or shouldn’t be there in the first place.

I think some folks are over thinking this. It is really not necessary to dissect every single word.
Our sovereign God, who most on this blog acknowledge I think, is far greater than someone’s possible hyperbole.

Not sure whose feelings you refer to, unless you assume those who claim God led them are actually being led by their feelings?

February 21, 2019 8:48 am

Darwin Payton (D. L.)

Tom would you elaborate on this a little

February 21, 2019 1:17 pm

Bill Mac

I think it is often easy to look back and see that God was leading you. I think it is unwise to do some kind of internal audit of your feelings and hunches to try to figure out how God might be leading you now. So many people think God has this plan that he wants you to follow, but hides it and won’t tell you what it is, but will hold you responsible if you don’t find it. Pray for wisdom and make a decision.

February 21, 2019 8:06 am

Blake Haas

Yes to all of this post. It sounds like they are taking a defensive posture up front which is never helpful. The other thing that caught my eye was this: “Stone also said, “Your committee has been both unanimous and unified at every single turn.” It tells me that there may not have bee much in the way of healthy debate or room for opposing ideas.

The only similar experience I have had is being part of a 15 member pastor search committee for our large-ish church. We weren’t unanimous on much beyond what scripture clearly stated until we voted on the final candidate. Through all the debate we had and all the different ideas we argued over, all 15 of us settled on the exact same final candidate in our own way. We saw God unify us around one candidate in the end in a way that only he could. The testimonies of how God lead some of the team to support the final candidate when they were originally skeptical was remarkable. That being said, he was only a candidate until the church vote took place.

I am one who accepts the idea that God could lead to a particular man, an idea many disagree with. Fine. I accept that God could lead them to one man.

But this “we have found God’s man” schtick has got to go.

It is a bullying move. How dare you question someone who is God’s man?

It borders on using God’s name in vain. If used to bully, as a smokescreen, or in any other way the speaker is using God’s name falsely.

It violates Baptist polity. The committee is responsible to find a nominee. It is the role of the trustees to vet their choice. No trustee should substitute the committee’s judgment for their own. They must decide.

There is a way to say it. “We believe God has led us to this nominee and we now submit his name for your consideration.”

The God’s man thing is manipulative in effect, whatever the intent of the committee.

It needs to go.

February 21, 2019 8:44 am

Les Colvin

Dave, “It violates Baptist polity.” Really? In what way? If a committee (including just about every pastor search committee I’ve ever heard, and likely yours as well) does not believe he is God’s man, they do not need to present him. Saying God’s Man is perfectly acceptable. Isn’t that who they have been looking for? Why would they not say that when they think they have found him?
I do think we can all agree it was probably a little premature in this case. And, it might could be worded better, but it does not violate anything. The conspiracy theories as to motivation are speculation at best. And yes, they should be able to “defend” or explain their recommendation as I am sure they will to the entire EC.

“The point is that we should stop referring to our decisions as God’s decisions. ”

So true! Thank you for saying so.

February 21, 2019 10:29 am

Jimmy Hedrick

Succinctly said. Amen!

February 21, 2019 11:50 am

Jon

BP’s quote is not a complete sentence, and style guides often tell writers to remove “I believe” as a meaningless phrase. My assumption, in charity, is that Brother Robinson’s actual words were a bit more humble and off the cuff. Something like “[we believe we have] identified God’s candidate for such a time as this.”

“We think we’ve found God’s man” doesn’t shortcut the Baptist process, where the majority may yet have a “check in their spirit.” Baptists are pretty good at sorting out the human element of committee and trustee action. It doesn’t stop too much criticism.

Granted, it’s dangerous to use it as a platitude. CS Carnes probably heard the same thing just before his election. We remember it most when it embarrasses the prophet later. Let the speaker beware.

Now, “God’s told me…” still rankles me. Those statements always seem to align with the speaker’s own interests. And unless it’s something in scripture, it’s a naked assertion of spiritual superiority. But I don’t think we can lay that charge against Brother Robinson yet.

1. I agree with the main point, that people should not use the phrase. I don’t like it, think it’s unnecessary and actually can have some negative effect.

2. However, I would not assign motive based only on that phrase. As some have pointed out, the people saying this have likely been saying it without thinking about it for 50 years. Would it be better if they stopped? Yes. Is it automatically equivalent to to Bullying and jettisoning all Baptist polity? Probably not.

As a church song leader over the years, I cringe when I hear someone call the church platform a “stage”, or when I hear someone refer to corporate singing as “worship” (to be followed by preaching….’). But I don’t automatically assume those who use words that way actually believe corporate singing to be a stage performance, or actually don’t think preaching and prayer are worship. I try to guide them to better word choices when possible, but often let it go.

As a convention, the SBC operates by “congregational rule.” The committee is certainly able to say that they feel God has led them to their choice. Whether the convention feels the same way or not is a different set of circumstances.

February 21, 2019 12:13 pm

Darwin Payton (D. L.)

Adam good post, these are certainly issues. Being the old codger I am and being old school, I have no problem with the language used. I would affirm the usage. However my main issue is with some of the issues you raise, especially the first. Every search committee with which I have been involved has had the following conversation during the final interview.

ME: I would require a 99% vote to accept A call
THEM: If we extend at least a 99% call, would you accept a call
ME: Yes

I would think the committee would have such an answer before they made the announcement. In all honesty if they did not, we have much bigger problems than the terminology IMO.

Regarding the search committee/full committee issue you spoke of, I think it is possible for one person, committee, entity to be led to one conclusion (God’s man) and another person, committee, entity to be led to another. In fact I think it can be healthy, because it can bring us back to our knees seeking unity and prayerfully moving forward as a whole. Peter and Paul certainly had different ideas. Another time Peter caught all kinds of flack because of Cornelius. I’m sure both participants in the discussion were confident they were led (and perhaps were) of God to their position. This did not make God the author of confusion, but a God who works with His people to accomplish His end, Both of these situations produced unity and God’s plan was advanced. I say this because IMO SB greatest need is not an entity head. Our greatest need is unity if we are going to be a force for the gospel. BTW the operative words are IMO.

Again, just the musings of an old codger. Thanks for the post.

February 21, 2019 1:13 pm

Debbie Kaufman

The headline in the New York Times Article concerning the Houston Chronicle articles “Rapists Presented By Their Church As Men of God.”

Must….not…snark….about…..how….Baptists….eliminate folks who don’t fit perfectly in the group photo…..

February 21, 2019 2:43 pm

Darwin Payton (D. L.)

Folks in my circle of life have prayed and sought God’s leadership. Was this an incorrect way to do things?

February 21, 2019 3:09 pm

Andy Williams

In addition to prayer for God’s leadership, also look carefully to see which one of the “equally qualified candidates” fits best with the role you are searching for. I don’t know if I’ve ever been in a situation on either end that had any “equally qualified candidates.” Normally they have different strengths and weaknesses, and usually evaluating those will lead one to rise to the top. This happened when I was assisting a church to select a staff position, it happened when I was hired at my last church (people told me what made me a better fit than another candidate…they probably should have kept that to themselves), and in a ministry search before that, I happened to know another candidate,l for the same position I wanted, and given the choice at that time for that church, I would have picked the other guy…and they did. 🙂

February 21, 2019 3:42 pm

Matt M

If they’re all equally qualified, you either have a poor pool of candidates or completely failed to accurately assess their strengths and weaknesses. Every minister is going to have a unique set of talents, personality quarks, and any number of distinguishing factors including their history and levels of education. You might have very similar candidates, but they will be different on some level – and that’s where the reliance on prayer for wisdom comes into play for God to reveal the true heart of the candidates being considered and whether their unique talents, personality, and issues fit the needs of the congregation.

This is really a larger question about how we are to live as believers. In every important decision we make, the same question presents: How do we decide / know which God wants us to pick? There are two very different views of this that are both taught and preached from our pulpits, and both (I think) are familiar to those who read or participate here. One is that God’s will for your decision is something that you must seek through prayer, Bible reading, and consulting wise counsel… and then, either be confident in the feeling that you have found God’s will in the matter, or worry that you might have missed it. The other view is a confidence that if you live according to the Bible, are repentant of sin, pray for God to guide you in all you do, and pursue a close relationship with Him, then you can make the decisions in your life in full confidence of God’s unseen guidance–and without worry that your life or decisions might get “out of [His] hand.” The latter is a more peaceful way to live, and it leaves you confident in God’s plan even when you lose control of events and circumstances, and even when those who may be opposed to God force their will on your life. And if God is capable of perfectly carrying out His plan for your life even in those decisions that you have no control over, then He certainly is capable of doing the same even when you are the one making the decision and have no clear indication of what He wants you to do.

February 21, 2019 7:04 pm

Andy Williams

Ken,

I agree with number 2!

-Andy

February 21, 2019 7:52 pm

dean stewart

Two posts critical of the EC presidential search committee and they haven’t even made an official announcement. This one is entitled “God’s Man” when the search committee never said that he was “God’s man.” “God’s candidate,” the committee chose their word carefully. Good for them.

The first article was critical because the search committee had not made enough effort in diversity. However, Voices commended the choices of the SWBTS and IMB search teams. Yet, not one word has been said about the lack of diversity in their choices. (These choices do seem great.)

Reading these two critical posts juxtaposed with the congratulatory posts at the naming of SWBTS and IMB leaders it is almost like Voices has heard who is going to be named and are not very excited. I know mega metro “kingmakers” are frowned upon here. Maybe it is a “kingmaker.”

SBCV has positioned themselves to be critical of the search committee when they officially make their announcement.

I wish you guys would bring the rest of us into the know if you have the DL.

Who is SBCV? I am the author of this article. No need to blame anyone else. I’ll accept blame for the articles I write and let the other contributors do the same for the articles they write.

February 21, 2019 7:56 pm

dean stewart

Ok Adam, when I read the title I thought someone had used “God’s Man.” Upon rereading Adron Robinson’s comment I confirmed he said “God’s candidate.”

A candidate has to have approval. It is certainly acceptable for a search committee to say God has led us to this candidate. How the EC votes, what you think of the person, nor anything else changes the fact this is the candidate the search committee felt led to present to the full board.

In your post there are 3 paragraphs that appear to not to be an indictment on using God’s man but an indictment on the search committee and what their motivation might be.

This seems a minor deal to bring a post. “We have a candidate” vs “we have God’s candidate” meaning the candidate we feel God led us to is nothing, certainly not an end around of Baptist polity that cripples the vote of the EC and thwarts the opinion of our membership.

I like our EC, I love our EC staff. I have prayed daily for them and the search committee. I ask you point blank, have you heard a recommendation that you prefer not be brought or approved?

Dean, it was not my intention to put words in anyone’s mouth. When I began writing the article, I wrote “God’s man” throughout. I then realized that “God’s candidate” is actually what was said. Because I didn’t (and still don’t) think there to be a real difference between the two phrases, I changed the wording in the article for accuracy sake but went forward with the article. I did not change the title because “God’s man” is a phrase that is often used in Southern Baptist life. While my article focuses on the EC presidential search, the issue is broader than that from my perspective. It is my opinion that you are making a distinction where there is no difference. I stand by what I wrote.

Regarding your question, I have heard a name. I will be shocked if he is not the candidate the search team announces. But this article is not about my support or opposition to a particular candidate. This article is about my opposition to the phrase “God’s man” or “God’s candidate” when it comes to potential entity heads, pastors, or dog catchers.

February 21, 2019 8:54 pm

dean stewart

Adam, if you tell me that I believe you 100%. I wish you would have introduced the subject and then left the EC search committee out of the discussion. I have friends on that committee. I find the tenor of Voices unfairly critical of this search committee.

I will defend my friends when I feel they are not being treated fairly. That includes you and Dave.

February 21, 2019 9:07 pm

Darwin Payton (D.L.)

Adam in a narrow way that is true. However in today’s climate it is difficult to separate the speaker from the entity he represents or to which he is tied…sad but true.

Also, your characterization of the articles written here regarding the presidential searches at our entities is not accurate. The criticism of no minority interviews has not been directed only at the EC search team.

If accuracy matters to you, a) we have had articles here about the God’s man thing for YEARS. this is not about a particular nominee.

B) the other article I wrote mentioned 3 entities as all being culpable in not interviewing a single minority.

We reported on the letter written by 3 pastors as well.

Dean, but your facts are false here.

February 21, 2019 8:16 pm

dean stewart

I have read and contributed here for years. I know your position on God’s man. This post was criticism of the search committee, not a theological discussion on how to choose a leader. 3 paragraphs were given to what the motives of the search committee might be.

As to your other posts, you singled out the EC, here is a quote, “ We can understand that the Executive Committee Search Team is probably tired after a long process, but it is not too late to correct this” and another, “The Executive Committee has been a leader in this process and for their search committee to hire without even interviewing anyone other than white males is unacceptable.”

Todd wrote a post commending the SWBTS search committee for choosing Dr G without knowing if that search committee interviewed a minority. I happen to agree with his sentiment.

You guys seem to have a beef with this search committee. I asked if it was because of their coming candidate.

Here’s an idea: Suppose God is saying “They all look fine to me, just pick one”? We should always pray for wisdom. And having done that, just make a decision. And then announce it as your decision without telling everyone that God endorses your decision.

February 21, 2019 7:57 pm

Darwin Payton (D.L.)

How about giving the five finalist names to the full committee and let them do a vote by elimination 🙂